1. Yvain needs to gain a new identity because his old name was filled with shame and carried a bad reputation. After betraying his wife and going mad, he realized that he couldn’t continue “Yvain”’s lifestyle- one of stupidity and rash, juvenile behavior. The name itself is tainted in his and many others’ eyes (proved by Laudine’s inability to recognize him by his new name- “Everyone there offered to serve their lord, as was proper, without knowing he was; even the lady, who possessed his heart but did not know it” (352). The lion represents Yvain’s new triumphs and achievements as an adult person; with the lion, he has learned to be a responsible and benevolent knight who thinks before acting. In taking care of the lion and having a constant companion, Yvain has matured, and is now simply an honored knight. He has been reborn from being “Yvain” and is the new man his wife needs.
3. Yvain and Laudine meet at the end and reconcile due to trickery on the part of Lunete. This ending is especially ironic, since Laudine has apparently not learned her lesson in trusting Lunete, and they are tricked again. This may mean that they cannot meet without Laudine being manipulated; otherwise they may never be together. Fortunately, this time Laudine knows that she is getting a knight known for being noble and courageous, and realizes that he is now worthy of being with her. He implores her, “I have paid dearly for my foolishness, and I am glad to have paid…I’ll never do you wrong again” (380); and though Laudine is quick to point out that she takes him back only to avoid breaking her oath, one would suspect she is much more satisfied with Yvain the second time around.
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